Protective Orders
A protective order is an order from the court which protects someone from being physically or sexually abused, threatened, or stalked. In other states, these kinds of orders may be called restraining orders, orders of protection, orders against abuse, or no contact orders.
There are different types of protective orders in Vermont. The main difference is the relationship between the parties, what kind of behavior has occurred, and the court division in which the request is filed. The process also varies.
If a person violates a protective order they can be arrested and charged with a crime.
This page describes each type of protective order, who may ask for one, what kind of protections an order could provide, and links to web pages providing forms and more information about each process.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Not finding what you're looking for? Email us: selfhelp@vtcourts.gov.
Where to File
These cases are filed in the Family Division of the Superior Court:
You can ask for these kinds of protective orders at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Call 800-540-9990 for help with an emergency request after court business hours, which are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
These cases are filed in the Civil Division of the Superior Court:
You can ask for these kind of protective orders during court business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
A version of this information is also available as a chart in a PDF document.
Types of Protective Orders
The types of protective orders are described below, including who can ask for the order and what may be included in the order.
You can also navigate directly to the web pages which describe the process and provide forms by following these links:
Relief From Abuse Order (RFA) | Order Against Stalking | Order Against Sexual Assault | Relief From Abuse (RFA) for Vulnerable Adult |Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Relief From Abuse Order (RFA)
Who can ask for the order?
You can ask for an RFA order if a family or household member has abused you or your children.
A request for an RFA order is filed in the Family Division of the Superior Court.
A household member includes:
- Someone you live with or used to live with.
- Someone you are in a sexual relationship with, or used to be in a sexual relationship with.
- Someone you are dating or used to date.
Abuse includes:
- Tried to cause harm
- Caused physical harm
- Made you afraid of imminent physical harm
- Child abuse
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
You can ask for an order for yourself and your minor child, or for an order just on behalf of your minor child. Anyone 16 or older can file a request on their own behalf.
What may be included in the order?
- No abuse
- Stay away
- No contact
- No firearms
- No stalking or sexual assault
- Vacate residence
- Stay away from residence
- Custody of children
- No cruel treatment of children or pets
- Possession of personal property
Who can ask for the order?
You can ask for an order against stalking if someone other than a family or household member has stalked you or your children. For example, the person is a friend, a co-worker, a classmate, a casual acquaintance, or a stranger.
A request for an order against stalking is filed in the Civil Division of the Superior Court.
Stalking is when a person follows, monitors, surveils, threatens you or another person, or interferes with your property at least two times. The behavior must make you afraid for your safety or the safety of a family member, or cause you substantial emotional distress.
Stalking can include phone calls, mail, email, social media comments, faxes, and written notes.
You can ask for an order for yourself, or for an order on behalf of your minor child. Anyone 16 or older can file a request on their own behalf.
What may be included in the order?
- Stay away
- No contact
Who can ask for the order?
You can ask for an order against sexual assault if someone other than a family or household member has sexually assaulted you or your children. For example, the person could be a friend, a co-worker, a classmate, a casual acquaintance, or a stranger.
A request for an order against sexual assault is filed in the Civil Division of the Superior Court.
Sexual assault includes these criminal acts, and the person asking for protection was the victim:
- Lewd and lascivious conduct
- Lewd and lascivious conduct with a child
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Using a child in sexual performance
- Consenting to a sexual performance by a child
You can ask for an order for yourself, or for an order on behalf of your minor child. Anyone 16 or older can file a request on their own behalf.
What may be included in the order?
- Stay away
- No contact
Relief From Abuse (RFA) for Vulnerable Adult
Who can ask for the order?
You can ask for an RFA order for a vulnerable adult if you believe the vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, or if you are a vulnerable adult who is being abused, neglected or exploited.
A request for an RFA order for a vulnerable adult is filed in the Family Division of the Superior Court.
See the Relief from Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult web page for definitions of vulnerable adult, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
What may be included in the order?
- No abuse, neglect or exploitation
- Stay away
- No contact
- No threatening, assaulting, molesting, or interfering with personal liberty
- No firearms
- Vacate household
- Stay away from residence
- No following
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Who can ask for the order?
You can ask for an ERPO if you believe a family or household member poses an imminent and extreme risk of harming themselves or others.
A request for an ERPO is filed in the Family Division of the Superior Court.
What may be included in the order?
Temporarily prohibits them from buying, having, or receiving firearms or explosives.